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Civics  /  The Constitution  /  The Document

The Constitution of the United States

The Supreme Law of the Land

A comprehensive index of the Preamble, the Seven Articles, and all 27 Amendments.

Preamble
We the People “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The Federal Branches

Article I — The Legislative Branch

Establishes Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), qualifications for members, legislative procedures, enumerated powers (taxation, commerce, coining money, declaring war), and limitations on federal and state powers.

Article II — The Executive Branch

Establishes the Presidency, the Electoral College, presidential powers (Commander-in-Chief, treaties, appointments), executive duties, and grounds for impeachment.

Article III — The Judicial Branch

Establishes the Supreme Court, authorizes lower federal courts, defines federal court jurisdiction, and outlines rules regarding treason.

“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.” Isaiah 33:22

State Relations, Amendments & Ratification

Article IV — State Relations & Federal Guarantees

Governs full faith and credit among states, privileges and immunities of citizens, extradition, admission of new states, control of territories, and guarantees each state a republican form of government.

Article V — The Amendment Process

Defines the methods required to amend the Constitution through a two-thirds vote in Congress or a convention of states, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Article VI — Federal Supremacy & Oaths

Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land, assumes pre-existing national debts, and bans religious tests for public office.

Article VII — Ratification

Dictates that nine of the original thirteen states were required to ratify the document for it to take effect.

“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Constitutional Governance

The Bill of Rights

  1. 1Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
  2. 2Right to keep and bear arms; well-regulated militia.
  3. 3Restrictions on quartering soldiers in private homes.
  4. 4Protection against unreasonable search and seizure; search warrant requirements.
  5. 5Right to grand jury, due process, double jeopardy protection, privilege against self-incrimination, eminent domain protections.
  6. 6Rights of the accused: speedy trial, public trial, impartial jury, counsel, and right to confront witnesses.
  7. 7Right to a jury trial in civil lawsuits under federal law.
  8. 8Protections against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.
  9. 9Unenumerated rights reserved for the people.
  10. 10Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the States or to the people.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

Additional Amendments (11–27)

  1. 111795Defines state sovereign immunity against out-of-state suits.
  2. 121804Revises electoral college procedures for President and Vice President.
  3. 131865Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.
  4. 141868Defines citizenship, equal protection, due process, and privileges/immunities.
  5. 151870Prohibits voting restrictions based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
  6. 161913Grants Congress power to lay and collect income taxes.
  7. 171913Establishes direct popular election of U.S. Senators.
  8. 181919Imposed Prohibition of alcohol (repealed by 21st Amendment).
  9. 191920Guarantees women’s right to vote.
  10. 201933Moves presidential term start date to Jan 20 (“Lame Duck” amendment).
  11. 211933Repeals the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).
  12. 221951Limits Presidents to two terms in office.
  13. 231961Grants electors in the Electoral College to Washington, D.C.
  14. 241964Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.
  15. 251967Establishes presidential succession, Vice-Presidential vacancy, and disability procedures.
  16. 261971Lowers the national voting age to 18.
  17. 271992Prevents congressional pay raises from taking effect until after an election.

Your Turn

Read Article V. If you could propose one amendment, what would it be — and what would it forge, or what foundation would it reinforce?

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